6 Castles In Herefordshire To Visit
Sitting on the border of England and Wales, Herefordshire’s land was fought over throughout history. It’s therefore no surprise that this county is now full of fascinating castles to visit – strongholds were built here by the Romans, Normans and medieval lords in their struggles for supremacy.
In the Domesday Survey of 1086, nine of England’s 50 castles or fortified manors were recorded in Herefordshire. During the fractious centuries that followed, many more were constructed. Despite battles and the plundering of stones for building, the county is still home to more than 20 castles. In this list we’ve picked out six of the best castles to visit in Herefordshire, each with wonderful tales to tell.
All of these make great days out for locals, but if you’re visiting from elsewhere you'll need your own lodgings. As a mainly rural county, Herefordshire is a wonderful location for camping and glamping. Staying in the open air is a great way to make the most of the area’s lovely scenery and quiet atmosphere, and it’s a very affordable break, too. Take a look at Pitchup’s range of campsites and you're sure to find something that suits your taste and budget.
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Goodrich Castle
Although it may be a ruin, Goodrich Castle is actually one of the most intact Norman castles in Britain. Despite its mighty defences, marauding Welshmen seldom troubled Goodrich Castle. Instead, it was crafted into an elaborate home by a succession of noble families. That is, until the peace was shattered during the English Civil War. Sheltering retreating Royalists, Goodrich was bombarded by cannon fire until much of it crumbled.
Today, a visit to Goodrich Castle is a walk through its tale of ages. Cross the former drawbridge and enter the red sandstone walls to find features like a restored chapel and an elegant French balcony as well as arrow slits in the towers and huge defensive buttresses. This is a place where lords and ladies once danced, and its folk hid from the terrifying bombardment of Roaring Meg’s cannonballs. It is said that every full moon a ghostly pair of lovers mournfully make their way back to the castle having been dashed to death trying to cross the river Wye as they fled the siege.
You’ll hear this story and more with an audio-guided tour, and there's also a family trail to follow. Now managed by English Heritage, the castle also has a tea room and gift shop and runs special events throughout the year.
Croft Castle
More a fortified stately home than a soldiering stronghold, Croft Castle has been the residence of the Croft family since before the Domesday Book. People have lived and worked here for thousands of years, and you can learn about their stories throughout the house.
The main property largely dates from the 17th century and was built on what was a medieval fortress. Many of the rooms have been restored to reflect how they would have looked at periods during Croft Castle’s long history. The adjacent St Michael and All Angels church is equally impressive.
A visit to Croft Castle, now managed by the National Trust, easily makes for a full day out. As well as castle visits, there are waymarked walks through 1,500 acres of parkland, including a trail to Croft Ambry, an Iron Age hillfort. Visitors can also stroll through the extensive gardens with a historic vineyard and orchard, and kids can enjoy some time at one of the two play areas (one of which is handily opposite the tea room).
Wigmore Castle
The impressive ruins of Wigmore Castle were likened to Winterfell, the Game of Thrones stronghold, when the property was put on the market a few years ago. The castle has been in the care of English Heritage since the 1990s, but it has been in private ownership throughout its long history, with continued access to the public as a condition of sale.
Wigmore Castle dates to 1067 and its construction was ordered by William Fitz Osbern, a lord who had a hand in almost every battle and plot in the early years of the Norman Conquest.
The ruins stand high on a defensible position and are buried up to first-floor level by centuries of accumulated earth and fallen masonry. Visitors to Wigmore Castle can climb the steps up from its moat and deep ditches to imagine what this land would have looked like during the castle’s turbulent history and to take in views overlooking the Black Mountains in Wales.
The castle is free to visit and open for visits at reasonable hours during the daytime; although there are no facilities to speak of, you’re welcome to bring a picnic and there are toilets in the nearby village.
Eastnor Castle
At the foot of the Malvern Hills, Eastnor Castle is a grand manor house that was built in mock castle style in the early 19th century. When the First Earl Somers, whose ancestors had lived at Eastnor for centuries, decided his family should have a more impressive legacy, he set out to build this fairytale residence.
Eastnor Castle is a place that inspires awe from the moment you approach it. The building stands high, flags flying, above a tree-lined lake with its reflection in the water. Inside there are lots of rooms to wander through, each one notable for its history and lavish detail. The castle’s estate also has a 300-acre deer park, a 14-acre lake and a tree trail through the extensive arboretum. For a family day out, there’s an adventure playground, an obstacle course and rope swings as well as the knight’s maze, treetop walkways and mini Land Rovers to drive.
Hampton Court Castle
Herefordshire’s own Hampton Court Castle is lesser known but equally as impressive as its namesake built by Henry VIII by the River Thames in London. Near the market town of Leominster, the 15th-century manor house was the country residence of Sir Roland Lenthall who had married King Henry IV’s cousin. During the intervening centuries, the property was incrementally expanded and made to look more ‘castleish’ in the 1830s.
Hampton Court Castle became the seat of the Viscount of Hereford before it was sold in 1972. Having lain empty for several years, the house and its gardens have since been extensively restored. The house is mainly used as an events venue, but it's open for self-guided tours on selected days (usually Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays).
The gardens, however, are open daily from spring through to autumn, with a wonderful collection of areas to explore. Visitors can wander by canals or island pavilions and follow walkways through a kitchen garden, a maze created from 1,000 yew trees, formal walled gardens, a sunken water garden, a Dutch garden and in spring, a stunning magnolia walk. In summer, you can also book tickets to medieval jousting events.
Longtown Castle
Longtown Castle was built in the 12th century on the site of an earthen enclosure that had been used by the Romans to control a tribe of Britons who objected to their presence. When William the Conqueror attempted to take Wales, he dispatched William de Lacey as his chosen lord to do so. De Lacey erected much of the castle that today lies in ruins. It was abandoned after his ancestors became penniless and has remained here, slowly decaying, ever since.
Local legend suggests there is a coffin buried in the castle that contains 1,000 gold coins. Perhaps they make up the lost fortune of De Lacey’s daughters, who were chased from Longtown by King John in the 13th century.
Sadly you won't have the chance to dig for that treasure as visitors are asked to keep a good distance from the castle due to the risk of falling masonry. You’ll still get a great view of the round keep and tower though, with a lovely backdrop of the Black Mountains. Now managed by English Heritage, Longtown Castle is free to visit and makes a popular stop-off point for walks along the Olchon Valley and on towards the mountains.
If you'd like to spend more time outdoors in this lovely region, take a look at our suggestions for the best walks in Herefordshire, and take some time to explore the area’s most beautiful gardens. Camping and glamping are also excellent ways to soak up more of the scenery, with options ranging from simple farm campsites to stylish lodges with a private hot tub. Have a look at Pitchup’s full range below to find the place for you.
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